Modern Cat - Fall Winter 2023

The lifestyle magazine for modern cats and their companions cat Publications Agreement Number 42496543 Return Mail Dept, Suite 101 - 2930 Arbutus St, Vancouver, BC Canada V6J 3Y9 FALL · WINTER 2023/24 These Catnip Alternatives Will Delight Your Cat p32 INSIDE: Giveaways, Contests, Problem Solvers, Tested & Approved Cat Gear + More! FELINE SECRETS REVEALED! INSIDE THEMINDS OFCATS Find out on p26! Happy Cat Expert Advice for a Translate Your Cat’s Meows Take This Cat Personality Test Puzzling Behaviour Explained TOYS THAT WILL DRIVE YOUR CAT WILD moderncat.com DISPLAY UNTIL JAN 31 ‘24 $7.95 FALL · WINTER 2023

THE GOODS 22 Catify Your Life Cat-tastic designs to thrill both you and your cat! 34 The Cat Gear Look Book Your at-a-glance guide to the best stuff for you and your cat. 41 Purrfect Presents A gift guide for cats & cat lovers! 60 Vertical Space Solutions The best cat trees, perches, shelves, and more! 68 Healthy Paws Solutions for everything from picky eating to bad breath! FEATURES 26 Is Your Cat Sad? Understanding and helping your depressed cat. BY MIESHELLE NAGELSCHNEIDER 36 Take This Cat Personality Test Study divides cats into five distinct personality types. BY SHERI RADFORD 50 This Is Why Your Cat Goes Wild When You Say “Pspspsps” Experts explain the magic behind this universal catattractant sound, plus other sounds cats like and dislike. BY TRACEY TONG 56 Is Pet Insurance Right for Your Cat? A vet explores who pet insurance is right for. BY DR. RACHEL L. STADLER 62 Translating “Meow” An A.I.-powered pet translation app aims to decipher your cat’s utterances. BY ANNIKA HARLEY 64 Tricks for Cats How trick training can strengthen the bond between you and your cat. BY STEVE DUNO 70 How Socially Smart Is Your Cat? Try these social intelligence tests and see how your cat fares! 78 Meet the American Shorthair Get to know the oldest shorthaired American breed, a friendly, mellow cat with classic, easy-care good looks! BY CAROL W JOHNSON FALL/WINTER 2023/24 VOL 12 NO 2 62 36 PHOTO LEFT SOUPSTOCK/ADOBE STOCK; ILLUSTRATION RIGHT MICHELLE SIMPSON; RIGHT INSET CATIT 60 2 moderncat FALL · WINTER 2023/24

COVER CAT This Ragdoll cutie was photographed by Karen Weiler of Posh Pets Photography. BODY & SOUL 44 Home Alone How long can cats be left alone? Experts agree this is the maximum amount of time. 46 How to Pill a Cat A vet shares her top tips for medicating your cat. BY DR. ELEANOR FLYNN 48 Top 5 Tips for Keeping Your Cat’s Teeth Clean Life hacks for making a dreaded task easier. 50 78 In USA: MODERNCAT (ISSN 1929-3933) Volume 12, Issue 2. Published semi annually by Modern Cat Inc. at 142 Churchill Drive, Newington, CT 06111-4003. Postage paid at Hartford, CT and additional offices. POSTMASTER: send address changes to Modern Cat, PO Box 310402, Newington, CT 06131-0402. REGULAR FEATURES 6 Editor’s Letter 8 Contributors 10 Stuff We Love 12 The Scoop 18 Photo Contest 79 Marketplace 36 PHOTO LEFT SUSHKOVA2/SHUTTERSTOCK; RIGHT LARRY JOHNSON; LEFT INSET I WEI HUANG/SHUTTERSTOCK CAT LIFE 20 We’re Giving it Away! We’ve got months of cool cat stuff—from pet portraits to wellness supplies—up for grabs! Turn to page 20 to see what you can win. 30 10 Fascinating Orange Cat Facts You Probably Didn’t Know Discover these 10 surprising facts about orange tabby cats, from their gregarious personalities to their shared commonality with your favourite redhead. 32 On The ‘Nip Plus, these catnip alternatives will drive your cat wild! BY ROSE FROSEK 54 The Rusty Spotted Cat: Discovering the World’s Smallest Wild Feline Meet the smallest cat breed in the world! BY EVA ERHARDT 72 8 Interesting Cat Facts Social gathering? Try these cat facts to get the conversation flowing! BY CAMILLE LEMOS 74 Connie’s Book Club Editor-in-Chief Connie Wilson’s selection of new, must-read books for cat lovers. 76 Tiny Cat Stories Cat love in short form: miniature, reader-submitted cat stories of no more than 100 words. 80 Last Lick Kittens: a balm for the spirit. 4 moderncat FALL · WINTER 2023/24

Catpuccino & Magazines “I having a catpuccino and reading my latest copy of Modern Cat... I fancy.” —@kedi_vs_tedi Weekends are for Modern Cat Enjoying some Caturday reading! —@auntiesmoggy Cover Material How can I be the cover boy??? —@littlefujiandgoji Connie Wilson, Publisher & Editor-in-Chief  ‘‘ Everything natural—every flower, tree, and animal— has important lessons to teach us if we would only stop, look, and listen.’’— Eckhart Tolle from Guardians of Being S ome of the very reasons we love cats—their enigmatic nature, the wildness they retain, their sometimes-mercurial personalities—are also the things that confound us (isn’t that always the way?). We’re here to help you better understand your sometimes mysterious feline friend. Our team of feline behaviour experts has devoted their lives to delving into the minds of cats and explaining their behaviour. In this issue, “Cat Whisperer” Mieshelle Nagelschneider takes a look at sad cats, revealing how to diagnose depression in cats and sharing effective ways to cheer up an unhappy cat. We take a look at a cat translation app that claims to reveal what your cat’s meows mean. And cat-vet Dr. Eleanor Flynn shares novel ways to make pilling a cat easier. We’ve also got a science-backed Cat Personality Test you’re definitely going to want to take and a quiz to determine how socially smart your cat is. Did you know over 30 percent of cats don’t respond to catnip? Discover catnip alternatives that will drive your cat wild (p 32), along with the best vertical space solutions via our round-up of stylish and catapproved cat trees, perches, shelves, and more. And we’ve got gift ideas galore to delight cats and cat lovers. And that’s not all. Get to know the World’s smallest cat, enter our new round of giveaways to win cool cat stuff, and check out the latest batch of heartwarming Tiny Cat Stories. As usual, the issue is packed with expert advice, contests, tested and approved cat gear, tons of cute cats, and so much more! So, dive on in, and let us know what you think! If you’re not already, follow us on Facebook, where we run Friday Freebies every week—all you need to do to win awesome cat products is comment on the post! Thank you for being a part of this amazing cat-loving community. With love, CONNIE WILSON WITH DAO DAO, PHOTO TANYA KING EDITOR'S LETTER OUR READERS WRITE 6 moderncat FALL · WINTER 2023/24

Author and pet behaviourist Steve Duno has trained thousands of pets and their people. His 16 pet care books and many articles address a wide variety of topics, including breed-specific behaviour, environmental enrichment, basic obedience training, behaviour modification, tricks, and nutrition. Turn to page 64 for Steve’s look at why you should teach your cat tricks and how to get started! Cat vet Dr. Rachel L. Stadler loves cats and writing about cats. For the past 12 years, Rachel has practiced feline medicine at Chester County Cat Hospital in West Chester, PA, where she lives with her husband and two children. In the office, she enjoys helping owners and cats have a good quality of life and a strong human-animal bond. Turn to page 56 for her look at pet insurance and whether it’s right for your cat! This issue’s cover was photographed by Karen Weiler, an award-winning pet portrait and commercial animal photographer who believes that earning the trust of your furry subject is the secret to an incredible portrait. Karen has travelled extensively around the world, but calls Toronto, Canada home. That’s where, in addition to photographing her Posh Pets Photography clients, she donates her photography services to multiple shelters and rescue groups. Karen and her husband are happily owned by two rescue kitties, Panda and Bentley. CONTRIBUTORS FALL · W I N T E R 2 0 2 3 / 2 4 VOL 12 NO 2 Publisher Modern Cat Inc. Editor-in-Chief Connie Wilson Editor & Creative Director Jennifer Nosek Design & Production Megan Carpick Sales & Marketing Linda Helme Comptroller Cecilia de Roca Chan, CPA, CGA Marketing & Sales Coordinator Simran Parekh Audience Development Coordinator Yaunna Sommersby Subscriptions & Office Administration Anna Regino Administrative Assistant, Sales & Marketing Aly Stamper Administrative Assistant Angelie Hizon INTERESTED IN SUBSCRIBING? Give us a call at 1-800-417-6289 or subscribe online at moderncat.com/subscribe Advertising inquiries call (866) 734-3131 In Canada: MODERNCAT (ISSN 1929-3933) Volume 12, Issue 2. Published semi annually by Modern Cat Inc. at Suite 101 - 2930 Arbutus St, Vancouver, BC Canada V6J 3Y9 POSTMASTER: send address changes to Modern Cat, Suite 101 - 2930 Arbutus St, Vancouver, BC Canada V6J 3Y9 In USA: MODERNCAT (ISSN 1929-3933) Volume 12, Issue 2. Published semi annually by Modern Cat Inc. at 142 Churchill Drive, Newington, CT 06111-4003. Postage paid at Hartford, CT and additional offices. POSTMASTER: send address changes to Modern Cat, PO Box 310402, Newington, CT 06131-0402. PHONE (604) 734-3131 OR TOLL FREE (866) 734-3131 FAX (604) 734-3031 OR TOLL FREE (866) 734-3031 The publisher is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, images, photographs or other materials. By accepting and publishing advertising the publisher in no way recommends, guarantees or endorses the quality of services or products within those advertisements. Copyright 2023 by Modern Cat Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced by any means, electronic or mechanical, including the Internet or photocopying without the written permission of the Publisher. Modern Cat and its logotype are the trademarks of Modern Cat Inc. Modern Cat is published two times a year. Two-year subscription prices: Canada $18CAD, U.S.A. $18USD, foreign $45USD. Subscription orders and customer service inquiries should be sent to Modern Cat Subscription Services, Suite 101 - 2930 Arbutus St, Vancouver, BC Canada V6J 3Y9 PRINTED IN CANADA www.moderncat.com Publications Mail Agreement Number 42496543 We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada. Nous reconnaissons l'appui financier du gouvernement du Canada. 8 moderncat FALL · WINTER 2023/24

Stuff We Love Modern Cat staffers’ picks of the litter! 1Don’t let hot spots get out of control! The antiseptic and anti-fungal properties of the Banixx Pet Care Spray provide soothing support for hot spots, ear infections, dry itchy skin, ringworm, rashes, abrasions, and wounds.—Linda ($17, banixx.com) 2Great gift idea! Flip over the adorable pendanton this reversible, sterling silver necklace and find the words “cat person” Inspired by vintage storybooks, the necklace is cast in sterling silver and enameled in artist Mark Poulin’s Oakland, CA workshop. Each piece comes with an adjustable 16-to-20-inch sterling silver chain and a cute box ready for gifting!—Connie ($92, markpoulin.com) 3 What could be more fun than a Custom Pet Portrait of your cat? Illustry lets you choose from a variety of art styles and then generates an AI-generated portrait of your cat. Download a digital file or order a print of your finished portrait!—Yaunna (from $10, illustryai.com) 4Control household pet odours and keep your air fresh with the QAIS-air-04! This filter-less air purifier is designed specifically for pet odours and can be wall-mounted right above a litter box to capture smells before they spread throughout the house. Genius.—Megan ($350, us.sunstarqais.com) 5 Enjoy pet-friendly home fragrance with this hand-poured essential oil soy wax candle. The Calm Your Pawzzz candle combines frankincense, ginger, vanilla, lavender, and ylang ylang to calm nervous tension, irritability, anxiety, and depression, and promote feelings of peace and relaxation. The ‘pawfect’ luxury scent for cat lovers.—Anna ($50, thestinkypetco.com) 6 Show off your fun, cat-loving side with the fantastical “Cats are Meowgical” unisex tri-blend tee from LisetteArt Shop! Super soft and lightweight, this tee features a colourful design printed with eco-friendly inks.—Angelie ($30, lisetteartshop.com) 7 A high-tech solution to dreaded litter box chores! Leo’s Loo Too controls odours and ensures your cat always has a clean box by auto matically sifting waste into an enclosed waste drawer. Remotely monitor via the con nected app.—Simran ($650, casaleopet.com) 8 The very fun and adorable Catcouver Advent Calendar is our favourite countdown to the holidays! Each advent calendar box is filled with a variety of cat toys and treats to delight your cat, plus a sheet of Catcouver Christmas stickers for you!—Jory ($70, shop.catcouver.com) 9 Is your cat suffering from ear infections? The Zymox Ear Solution is veterinarian recommended for relief of feline ear infections—without antibiotics! This safe, gentle, and natural formulation reduces inflammation and helps problematic ears.—Rosie ($30, zymox.com) 10 Want a box of fun cat-themed goodies delivered to your door every month? Who doesn’t? Each CatLadyBox contains three to four fun items for you, plus you can add in two goodies for your cats.—Aly (from $35 monthly, catladybox.com) 11 Did you know that BOBS from Skechers helps animals in need? You’ll look and feel purrfect in cute and cozy slippers (including these adorable Pop Ups 3.0). BOBS purchases help save and support shelter pets.—Jennifer (from $55, BOBSfromSkechers.com) 12 This 2-in-1 Shell Comb from My Three Cats & Co. gently removes hair and massages your cat, leaving healthy, shiny, tangle-free fur. The ergonomic design won’t scratch or irritate your cat's skin, so they’ll love their grooming session!—Cecilia ($15, mythreecats.com)

Dr.Sarah Brown, a renowned cat behaviour scientist of over 30 years, has been at the forefront of research in the field, discovering how cats use tail signals to interact with each other and their owners. Her newly released book, The Hidden Language of Cats: How They Have Us at Meow, reveals previously unexplored secrets of cat communication. Here, she shares some of the intriguing cat facts from this must-read that will help even experienced cat-people better understand their favourite pet. New book helps cat-people better understand cat communication THEHIDDEN LANGUAGE OFCATS Sometimes litters of kittens can have a variety of coat colours—beyond that which can be explained by two parent cats. This is because some litters of kittens can have multiple fathers! Tail Up is a sign of friendly intent from one cat towards another. Cats also perform Tail Up when approaching humans. Always let the cat approach you first, but this tail position is a green flag to potentially making a new furry friend! People often think that certain coat colours are associated with particular personalities, but there’s not much real scientific evidence to support this. Other factors, such as how much socialization to people a cat receives at an early age and how bold their father is, are more likely to influence their behaviour around humans. Ever wonder why cats scratch furniture? Although annoying for owners when it spoils furnishings, it’s an extremely important behaviour for cats. It not only maintains nail health, but also enables them to leave scent and visual signals. Owners should try and make sure that their cats have access to an appropriate scratching surface to try to keep cats from scratching couches or table legs.  PHOTOS TOP CHALABALA/ADOBE STOCK; INSETS LEFT MARTIN CARLSSON/ADOBE STOCK; CENTER NEW AFRICA/BIGSTOCK; TOP RIGHT ERIC ISSELEE/SHUTTERSTOCK; BOTTOM RIGHT NYNKEVANHOLTEN/BIGSTOCK 12 moderncat FALL · WINTER 2023/24

Charity aims to help pets of the elderly A ngela Rafuse was just 26 and living in her parent’s basement in Nova Scotia, Canada, when she founded My Grandfather’s Cat. The registered charity, now two years old, helps seniors and terminally ill people arrange homes for their pets before moving into assisted living or passing away. Its founding was personal, inspired by Rafuse’s grandfather and his 14-year-old cat Mackenzie, whom Rafuse took in upon her grandfather’s passing. “Sharing videos of Mackenzie on TikTok, I heard countless stories of how many seniors worried about what would happen to their pets when they moved to a retirement home or, heaven forbid, passed away,” says Rafuse. “It was the same fear my grandfather had.” In founding My Grandfather’s Cat, Rafuse wanted to create a safe space for seniors to arrange second forever homes for their beloved pets. Within a month of operating, they received “countless emails” from people who were moving into retirement homes or terminally ill. Clearly, a need was being met. A Second Chance forCats in Need of aNew Home PHOTOS TOP SOUTHTIDEPHOTOGRAPHY; LEFT INSET MYGRANDFATHERSCAT Rather than housing pets in a foster system, My Grandfather’s Cat arranges for them to move directly into a new home. There are no costs for either rehoming or adopting through the organization. Instead, the charity’s operation is funded through merchandise sales and the generosity of donors. Volunteers vet each applicant to ensure they are a fit for the animal’s needs. The senior or terminally ill person who owns the animal then reviews the applicants, interviews each person, and ultimately makes the decision of who adopts their animal. “Our goal is for the animal to stay with their human up until the very last day,” says Rafuse, who has been nominated for the 2022 Women of Inspiration Awards and Atlantic Business Magazine’s Top 30 under 30 Innovators. The charity is most often called upon when a senior is moving into a retirement home or care facility due to declining health, a person has been diagnosed with a terminal illness, or a person has unexpectedly passed away and the family is unable to adopt their pet. To date, they have found homes for 130 cats and dogs. The organization, which operates across Canada, receives about 25 enquiries per month from people needing to find a new home for their cat and try to help as many as they can. “The most rewarding part of the work we do is knowing we provide comfort to seniors and terminally ill people knowing their beloved pet has a second forever home,” says Rafuse. >> Help support their work at mygrandfatherscat.ca/donate Founder Angela Rafuse Angela Rafuse with her grandfather. 14 moderncat FALL · WINTER 2023/24

PHOTOS TOP TO BOTTOM SLCF/SNOW LEOPARD TRUST; PRASENJEET YADAV/SNOW LEOPARD TRUST; INSET SNOW LEOPARD TRUST “Hang in there,Tom, you only have a few lives left.” SUBMITTED BY KELLI READOUT RUNNER-UP CAPTIONS “This isn’t a drive thru Ralph, you’re just gonna have to come in and convince them you are starving like the rest of us…” SUBMITTED BY JACKI WILSON “She's firm. You can come in when you agree to the surgery.” SUBMITTED BY ROBIN PRAYTOR “Wave to Mittens on your way down.” SUBMITTED BY SILVANA LAGROTTERIA “Just 10 more reps, and I’ll let you in!” SUBMITTED BY JANET MILLER “Carl, my guess is that this behaviour explains why you're down to eight lives.” SUBMITTED BY MARION ALTIERI T he Snow Leopard Trust is the world’s oldest and largest organization dedicated to protecting the endangered snow leopard—and they have an adorable way of supporting the conservation of this iconic big cat. The registered non-profit offers symbolic adoption Snow Leopards. Proceeds provide a sustainable income to communities in snow leopard habitats and help to reduce poaching and other threats to these cats. Every symbolic adoption package directly funds their conservation efforts. These one-of-a-kind feel-good gifts delight adults and children alike. You can choose an instant adoption sent via email or a mailed adoption package that includes a personalized adoption certificate, a snow leopard cub plush, a photo of your snow leopard cub, a fact sheet, and a Snow Leopard Trust annual sticker. Feel good knowing your gift helped protect a snow leopard living in the wild. >> From $50, shop.snowleopard.org Help protect a snow leopard living in the wild with a symbolic adoption >> There are only an estimated 3,500-7,000 snow leopards left in the wild Great Gift Idea: Adopt a Snow Leopard! CAPTION THIS! Test your "funny." Create a caption for this cartoon and submit your entry at moderncat.com/cartooncaption. The most comic captions will be published in the next issue. CARTOONS BY JOHN KLOSSNER; JKLOSSNER.COM AND THE WINNING CAPTIONS FROM LAST ISSUE ARE… 16 moderncat FALL · WINTER 2023/24

WILSON FREYA LUG NUT COCO YUNA ELEANOR ROOSEVELT ESTHER TIGGER KIM CHI MAX TOVA ZOLA PHOEBE & ARCHIE Awww ! GARFIELD moderncat’s SMILE!

THOR CALLIE JO POLLY FRODO PUMPKIN HARPER ANNIE HAMILTON GRAY TOOTSIE PENNY MAX PEACHES GÂTEAUX OPHELIA & VALENTINA LUKE Too cute! Too cute! Think your cat ought to grace the pages of Modern Cat? Upload your cat's photo at moderncat. com/photo-contest. Not only will he or she be entered to be our Cat of the Week, but a selection of the photos entered will appear on these pages!

Win 1 of 3 complete Calm Your Paw’zzz sets from The Stinky Pet Co.! Includes one candle, room spray, sanitizer, and pet-safe essential oil blend. Win a six-month subscription to CatLadyBox! This monthly subscription box for cat lovers includes cat-themed surprises for you, plus ameowzing cat toys for your kitties! 1st-14th 15th-29th 1st-14th Win 1 of 2 feline wellness prize packs from Vetericyn! Includes two bottles each of their Vetericyn Plus Feline Antimicrobial Facial Therapy, Hydrogel, Wound & Skin Care, and Ear Rinse solutions. Win 1 of 4 custom framed portraits or unframed canvases from Crown and Paw! Winners will get to choose the portrait size and style. 15th-31st 15th-31st 15th-30th Win 1 of 8 custom pet portraits from illustry! Includes a unique 12 x 18 print in the art style of your choice. 1st-14th 1st-14th 1st-14th Win 1 of 2 feline grooming prize packs from Pride + Groom! Includes their foaming waterless shampoo, leave-in conditioner, grooming wipes, a brush, deodorizing spray, and paw balm. 1st-14th Win 1 of 3 litter care prize packs from Catalyst Pet! Includes a six month supply of Catalyst litter, a premium scoop, and a litter mat. Win 1 of 2 Cento cat trees from Mau! This beautiful tree includes everything your kitty needs, is easy to clean, and will last for years since all wear and tear parts are replaceable. 15th-31st Win 1 of 4 feline wellness prize packs from Banixx! Includes a bottle of the Banixx Pet Care Spray, cat treats, cat toys, and catnip. Win 1 of 3 sterling silver and enamel band rings from Mark Poulin Jewelry! Purrfect for cat people, this ring features the phrase “Talks to Cats.” Win 1 of 4 cat lover bundles from Skinny Pete’s Catnip! Includes an original cat tee or tank top and a framed cat-themed art poster. 15th-31st Win Armarkat’s Premium Model X7001 Cat Tree! A purrfect vertical space solution for your pampered feline, this durable cat tree is Cat Daddy approved by Jackson Galaxy. INSET PHOTO: DRACO SUBMITTED BY KIRRA We’re giving it away! Enter to win fabulous giveaways October through March. Go to moderncat.com/giveaways to enter! Lucky readers will win every two weeks. No purchase necessary to enter or win. Beginning October 1, 2023 at 12:01 AM (PST) through March 31, 2024 at 11:59 PM (PST), enter each day at moderncat.com/giveaways. Each biweekly giveaway ends at 11:59 PM (PST). Every two weeks, the specified number of winners for that giveaway will win the prize featured in the giveaway calendar (ARV: $200). Odds of winning depend on the number of entries received. Contest is open to legal Canadian and/or US residents 18 and older as of date of entry. Void in Puerto Rico and where prohibited by law. Giveaway subject to complete official rules available at moderncat.com/giveaways. October November December January February March ENTER TO WIN Great Giveaways Great Giveaways 20 moderncat FALL · WINTER 2023/24

$95 Add an enchanting touch to your desk or bookshelf with the Bastet Glass Cat Goddess from Epiphany Glass! This stunning sculpture is handcrafted from molten glass and delicately layered with colour. epiphanyglass.com $7 Say hello to your cat’s new favourite toy! The Large Felted Pom Pom Wool Balls from PurrfectPlay are big, fuzzy, and handmade from natural wool. Light and bouncy. they entice play. Cats carry them all over the house, hunting and stalking their “prey!” purrfectplay.com $79Cats, experts in all things cozy, love the Vevo cat bed from Mau Pets! It’s made with cat-attracting silky, velvety materials, and the knotted weave design allows you to customize the shape to your cat’s liking. Available in two different colours, it can also fit a cozy cushion insert! maupets.com Catify Your Life! Cat-tastic designs to thrill both you and your cat! $240The LoftyLoo Raised Litter Station makes cleaning up after your cat easy, even if you’re mobility challenged! The brilliant, minimalistic, and accessible design allows you to tend to the litter box while sitting or standing. Plus, it sits on locked wheels and features a storage cubby to keep supplies organized and within reach. It’s safe and easy for cats to access their box, too! loftyloo.com $60 A Custom Pet Canvas Portrait from Crown & Paw makes an incredible gift! Simply send in a pet photo, choose your theme, and their team will put together a sure-to-be-cherished hand-designed pet portrait. crownandpaw.com from 22 moderncat FALL · WINTER 2023/24

Is Your Cat Sad? Understanding and helping your depressed cat Understanding Feline Depression + Strategies To Promote Emotional Well-Being In Cats C ats, known for their playful and mysterious nature, are not immune to experiencing emotions such as sadness and depression. In fact, as in humans, depression can stem from anxiety. While it may be challenging to identify these emotions in cats, the signs and symptoms of feline depression do exist. Recognizing these markers and implementing strategies to help alleviate your cat’s unhappiness is crucial for ensuring the emotional well-being of your feline friend. Signs of Feline Depression Depression in cats can manifest in various ways, so it’s important for cat owners to be observant of any changes in behaviour. Before assuming your cat is depressed, it’s essential to rule out any underlying medical conditions. If your cat is physically unwell, the common signs of depression can overlap. Schedule a visit with your veterinarian to ensure your cat’s physical health is in order. If your cat is between seven and eight years of age, they are ready for a senior wellness check that includes a senior blood profile and urinalysis. Also, don’t forget your cat’s flea treatment if they go outside (even if only for a few minutes). Irritated skin from a single flea bite can cause your cat to be uncomfortable and stressed, leading to one sad cat! By Mieshelle Nagelschneider, host of two-time Emmy award-winning T.V. Show My Cat from Hell on Discovery Plus China and author of the cat behaviour science book The Cat Whisperer PHOTO ADDINGWATER/ADOBE STOCK 26 moderncat FALL · WINTER 2023/24

As with humans, a lack of interest in life can be a sign of depression in cats. The Common Causes of Depression in Cats: • Mundane Environment: lack of stimulation or an environment that does not provide ways for a cat to display their natural behaviour (i.e., not enough or variety of toys, perching, and hiding areas), or no person or companion animal to interact with. • Moving or Change: moving to a new home, changes in a cat’s daily routine, or changes in the cat owner’s schedule. • Environmental Stressors: loud noises, lack of safe hiding and perching areas, overcrowding (too many cats), unpredictable feeding schedule, or conflict with other animals. • Major Loss: Losing a family member or animal companion. Even a son or daughter leaving for college can equate to a significant loss for a cat. • Physical Health: changes in a cat’s physical health can affect how they experience their environment. If a cat becomes obese, it may have difficulty perching in a windowsill or other perching area to view the birds, decreasing their enrichment. #1 #3 #4 #5 #2 EXCESSIVE VOCALIZATION: Cats suffering from depression may display excessive meowing or yowling with or without pacing behaviour. SOCIAL WITHDRAWAL: Cats may become more reclusive or aloof, avoiding interaction with their human family members and other pets. REDUCED OR INCREASED GROOMING: Depressed cats may neglect their grooming routine, leading to an unkempt coat. Overgrooming specific areas of the body is also a very common behaviour in cats that have anxiety and are depressed. SLEEP DISTURBANCES: An increase or decrease in sleep patterns can be a sign of emotional distress. CHANGE IN APPETITE: A decrease or complete loss of appetite may be an indication of depression or stress in cats. Inappetence is a much more common sign for many cat health issues, so again, be sure your vet performs a thorough examination. COMMON SIGNS A CAT MAY BE DEPRESSED DID YOU KNOW that your cat’s stress response system can become activated if their home environment is not enriched enough? moderncat.com 27

#1 CREATE A SAFE AND STIMULATING ENVIRONMENT: Cats thrive in environments that provide mental and physical stimulation. Ensure your home offers plenty of hiding spots, scratching posts, toys, and perching areas for your cat to explore. Consider rotating toys and introducing interactive play sessions to engage their senses. Cats are one of the species that hunt a variety of prey and experience many different types of terrain. It’s important to create this variety with your cat’s indoor home environment. #2 ESTABLISH A ROUTINE: Cats are creatures of habit. Establishing a consistent daily routine for feeding, playtime, grooming, and cuddles can provide a sense of security and stability, reducing stress and anxiety. #3 ENRICHMENT ACTIVITIES: Engage a cat’s natural instincts through interactive play sessions. Use toys that mimic prey, such as wanded feather toys or battery-operated toys that hide like real prey, to encourage exercise and mental stimulation. Puzzle feeders and treat-dispensing toys can also provide mental enrichment. #4CONSIDER A FELINE COMPANION: Cats instinctively have a huge social repertoire with other cats. Adding another cat to the home can provide both enrichment and companionship. STRATEGIES TO HELP PULL A CAT OUT OF A DEPRESSED STATE * Need help with your cat behaviour issue? You can schedule a Zoom appointment with cat behaviour science author and Cat Behaviourist Mieshelle Nagelschneider at thecatbehaviorclinic.com. IS IT HUNGER? Have you read the feeding guidelines on your cat’s cat food label? Be sure to feed your cat the correct calorie allotment for their specific weight. If your cat is not receiving enough calories each day, he may sleep more than normal, have low energy, and become uninterested in cat toys. #5 PROVIDE VERTICAL SPACE: Cats love to climb and perch in high places. Install cat trees or shelves to allow your cat to observe their surroundings from an elevated position. This not only provides a sense of security but also offers mental stimulation (see page 60 for vertical space solutions). #6 BONDING AND AFFECTION: Spend quality time bonding with your cat daily. Petting, brushing, and interactive play. Positive reinforcement training like clicker training can also strengthen the bond between you and your cat. #7 ENVIRONMENTAL ENRICHMENT: Incorporate elements that mimic the outdoor environment, such as a window perch with a view or a bird feeder or bird bath outside the window. These can provide visual stimulation, reducing boredom and promoting overall well-being. #8 CAT PHEROMONE THERAPY: Consider using cat pheromone diffusers or sprays specifically designed for cats to decrease stress and create a sense of calm and safety. PHOTO PHOTOCREO BEDNAREK/ADOBE STOCK 28 moderncat FALL · WINTER 2023/24

PHOTO KHORZHEVSKA/BIGSTOCK here’s lots to love about orange cats, from their chatty disposition to their unique markings. Read on for what makes orange cats unique! 1 If Your Cat is Orange, It’s a Tabby. All orange cats are tabbies (though not all tabbies are orange). Many people mistakenly believe that “tabby” is a specific breed when in fact, it is a reference to the unique coat markings all tabby cats have. The word “tabby” originates from a striped silk made in Iraq. 2 Look for the “M.” All orange cats sport an “M” on their forehead. Though various legends attribute the “M” to everyone from the Virgin Mary to Mohammed, the Discover these 10 surprising facts about orange tabby cats, from their gregarious personalities to their shared commonality with your favourite redhead Orange Cat Facts You Probabably Didn’t Know 10 Fascinating real, science-backed explanation is in their DNA. The trademark “M” marking is caused by the same gene that gives orange cats their tabby pattern. 3 Orange Cats Are Almost Always Male. Four out of five orange tabby cats are born male—a whopping 80 percent of orange kittens will be boys. Why? The marmalade colour comes from a sex-linked gene, with the X chromosome being responsible for the orange coloured fur. Because females have two X chromosomes, females need the gene for orange fur to occur twice in both of their X genes. Males, on the other hand, have the XY chromosome, so they only need their one X gene to have the marker for orange colouring. 4 They’re Chatty Cathy’s. Orange cats are known to be talkers. According to Gary Weitzman, head veterinarian at the San Diego Humane Society, cat personalities are tied to coat colour—and orange cats are far and away the most talkative of the bunch! 5 Trademark Black Freckles. Many orange cats have dark freckles around their nose and/or gums. This is caused by a genetic condition caused lentigo, which is common in calico and tortoiseshell cats. Lentigo increases in the number of pigment-producing cells, causing the freckles. Lentigo is not cause for worry in and of itself, though if you notice any changes, speak with your vet. 30 moderncat FALL · WINTER 2023/24

PHOTO ALENKASM/BIGSTOCK 6 They Have Something in Common with Your Red-Headed Friends. A specific pigment called pheomelanin causes the orange coat colour. This is the same pigment that causes red hair in humans. 7 Velcro Cat Reputation. While there’s no scientific studies to back this, orange cats are thought to be friendlier and more affectionate than other cats. This could be because 80% of orange cats are male, and male cats tend to be more social and affectionate with both humans and other cats. 8 Types of Stripes. There are no cats with solid-coloured orange coats. All tabby cats, including those that are orange, have a patterned coat caused by the agouti gene. This gene results in one of four possible tabby patterns: mackerel (tiger stripes), ticked (fur with alternating light and dark stripes), spotted, and classic (a swirled pattern). 9 Bigger Than Your Average Cat. Marmalade cats tend to be slightly larger and taller than other cats. This is likely because most orange cats are males. 10 Easy-going Snugglers. Though all ginger cats have individual personalities, consensus says these cats like to relax. Easy-going and laid-back, orange cats are perfect snuggle buddies. moderncat.com 31

Isthere anything more fascinating and funnier than cats experiencing catnip-induced euphoria? Cat photographer Andrew Marttila’s delightful book Cats on Catnip is devoted to the hilarious poses of cats in the thrall of a catnip high, and it is as fun as one would imagine. Undeniably, many cats go crazy for the stuff. But just what is at play here? And is it good for cats? Researchers suspect that the herb targets feline “happy” receptors in the brain, says the Humane Society of the United States. Cats rolling in catnip tend to have a euphoric response, whereas if eaten, it tends to mellow cats out. Most cats react to catnip by rolling, raking, rubbing cheeks and chin, drooling, bunny-kicking toys, zipping around the house, and eventually chilling out. They may even meow and growl at the same time. PHOTOS ANDREW MARTILLA But is catnip good for cats? Catnip is a wonderful, safe enrichment tool. It can help stimulate cats both mentally and physically, helping contribute to a happier, healthier life. You can use catnip to encourage play, thereby fighting obesity and stress, and to help your cat use their cat scratcher instead of your couch—using catnip on scratchers helps attract your cats to these areas. Can I give my cat catnip every day? Though catnip is safe and non-addictive, it’s effect can be diluted if you give it to your cat too often. Alexander Animal Hospital recommends you limit the use of catnip to about once every two to three weeks in order to prevent habituation. Others suggest once a week. Note that young cats and older cats may have a lesser response to cat nip. My cat doesn’t respond to catnip. Why? Not all cats respond to catnip. About a third of domestic cats (as well as most tigers) display no response to catnip at all. This is because over 30 percent of domestic cats do ON THE ‘NIP Plus, these catnip alternatives will drive your cat wild! By Rose Frosek | Photos by Andrew Marttila 32 moderncat FALL · WINTER 2023/24

Sprinkling a ¹⁄4 teaspoon of silver vine on your cat’s bed, toys, or scratching posts can help with anxiety. Chewing on silver vine sticks can help clean the tartar off your cat’s teeth. not inherit the traits that make them respond to nepetalactone. For these cats, catnip alternatives, like silver vine, Tatarian honeysuckle, and valerian may provide your cat with similar enrichment. All three alternatives cause playful, euphoric behaviour similar to that seen with catnip. Silver Vine Silver vine (also known as matatabi, Japanese catnip, or cat powder) is the most effective of these plants—almost 80 percent of cats respond positively to silver vine, says the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University. That’s more than those that respond to catnip. Silver vine is much more common in Asia, where the Japanese refer to the euphoric behaviour of cats after sniffing the plant as “the matatabi dance.” While catnip has just one compound (nepetalactone) that attracts cats, silver vine contains two—actinidine and dihydroactinidiolide. It also has half a dozen other active ingredients that are like nepetalactone. Silver vine poses no risk of toxicity. “I only let my cat play with it once a week [but] it can be used every day without any harmful side effects,” says Sara Ochoa, a veterinary consultant for DogLab. Tatarian Honeysuckle Around 50 percent of cats respond to Tartarian honeysuckle. Typical response includes rolling, licking, sniffing, drooling, hugging, and rubbing it on their chin and cheeks. Cats under the influence may become extremely affectionate. Pro tip: wetting the wood can help bring out the aroma. Tartarian honeysuckle is safe for both adult cats and kittens and is a wonderful way to enrich your cat’s environment. Valerian Behaviours of cats on valerian root are similar to those of cats on catnip. Expect playful behaviours, such as chin and cheek rubbing, rolling, meowing, pouncing, drooling, and licking. When consumed, the effects of valerian can include euphoria, purring, relaxation, and even falling asleep. Valerian Root is not only safe for your cat but is beneficial! It helps relieve stress and anxiety and promotes play and exercise for indoor cats. Just under 50 percent of cats respond to valerian. Alternatives to Catnip: A 2021 Study on Olfactory Enrichment for Cats In a study of catnip alternatives, researchers found that 79 percent of domestic cats responded positively to the silver vine, whereas 68 percent responded to catnip, 53 percent to Tatarian honeysuckle, and 47 percent to valerian root. Males and females appeared to be equally responsive. There was no difference in responsiveness based on age, but the researchers did note a lower response intensity in older versus younger cats, specifically for catnip. They also noted that shy or scared cats were just as likely to respond as affectionate and friendly cats. 31 percent of cats did not respond at all to catnip; however, of these cats, 71 percent responded to silver vine, 32 percent to Tatarian honeysuckle, and 19 percent to valerian root, suggesting that these are effective alternatives to catnip. Further, among the 21 percent of cats that responded to only one plant material, that material was most often silver vine. So, if your cat doesn’t respond to catnip—or if you’d simply like to mix it up—try one of these alternatives. Your cat will thank you. OUR PICKS SILVER VINE CHEWS If your cat doesn’t react to catnip, try the Define Planet Silver Vine Dental Sticks! Made from unprocessed and natural silver vine, these sticks excite and stimulate cats while also promoting dental health. ($13, defineplanet.com) CLASSIC, ORGANIC ‘NIP The Classic Catnip tin from Skinny Pete’s Catnip is packed with 25 grams of pure organic catnip! Perfect for refreshing cat toys or spreading on cat trees or scratchers to encourage positive scratching behaviour and play! ($13, skinnypetescatnip.com) A CATNIP TOY CATS GO CRAZY FOR Yeowww! My Cats Balls is a trio of perfectly sized two-inch toys stuffed with potent organic catnip to delight your feline. Perfection. ($12, duckyworld.com) moderncat.com 33

Arty Cat Scratcher $55; petplay.com Rainbow Cat Charmer $7; catdancer.com Nose Print Pendant from $277; robinslovingtouch.com K&H Self-Warming Pet Pad $23; khpet.com pidan Valley Cat Scratcher Bed $40; teddybob.ca or teddybob.us Kitty Cravings Cat Toys $12; petshop.fringestudio.com 2024 Cats on Catnip Wall Calendar $16; pageaday.com Buttercup Bed from $70; bowsers.com Emory Cat Scratcher $49; maupets.com Jumbo Crinkle Ball $3; crinkleball.com Unisex “Terot Card” Black Tee $25; skinnypetescatnip.com Nip Nibblers $5; pioneerpet.com Petshop Celestial Cat Stoneware Mug $17; petshop.fringestudio.com Armarkat Cat Bed C18HTH/MH $54; armarkat.com The Ultimate Scratching Post $80; pioneerpet.com THE CAT GEAR LOOKBOOK Your at-a-glance guide to the best stuff for you & your cat SCRATCHERS TOYS FOR CAT PEOPLE BEDS Great White Shark Cat Ball Bed $83; thecatball.com 34 moderncat FALL · WINTER 2023/24

PHOTO SOUPSTOCK/ADOBE STOCK Study divides cats into five distinct personality types By Sheri Radford Take This Cat Personality Test man could be crossed with the cat,” Mark Twain once wrote, “it would improve man, but it would deteriorate the cat.” The writer and humourist was a bit of an expert on the subject of feline personalities, having lived with up to 19 cats at a time and even seeking out feline companions while on vacation. Anyone lucky enough to share a home with a cat has undoubtedly discovered the idiosyncrasies that make up each one’s unique personality. It turns out that analyzing a few specific factors can impart useful insights about the cat’s personality—and offer important clues for how their human companions should interact with them. In 2017, scientists asked the owners of 2,802 domestic cats in Australia and New Zealand to use a seven-point scale to rate their pets for 52 personality traits, including playful, cooperative, self-assured, reckless, inquisitive, greedy, vocal, defiant, excitable, independent, shy, trusting, and predictable. The researchers then collated the results to come up with a set of personality factors now known as the Feline Five or the Big Five. 36 moderncat FALL · WINTER 2023/24

4. Impulsiveness Impulsive cats often behave erratically and restlessly. A low score on the impulsiveness scale suggests a well-adjusted cat with an enjoyable and predictable routine. 5. Agreeableness Agreeable cats are gentle, affectionate, well-adjusted, and friendly towards people and other animals. Cats with low scores on this scale may seem irritable, frustrated, solitary, and aggressive towards people. • • • • • A nalyzing a cat in terms of the Feline Five is useful for pet owners hoping to glean a deeper understanding of their animals. “It takes the complex phenomenon of personality and categorizes it into just five dimensions that are easy to understand and, in many parts, relatable to cat behaviour,” says Sarah Ellis, Head of Cat Mental Wellbeing and Behaviour at International Cat Care, a charity in the U.K. “If we take the dimension of ‘openness’ [extraversion] versus ‘closed to experience’ [introversion] and a situation common to cats, such as going to the vet for a routine health check, we can quite easily apply this dimension,” Ellis explains. “Cats that have a personality The Feline Five Personality Traits 1. Neuroticism Neurotic cats present as shy, suspicious, anxious, and insecure. They’re skittish and often demonstrate a fear of people. Conversely, cats low on this scale appear trusting and calm and may act boldly. 2. Extraversion Extraverted cats are outgoing, active, curious, vigilant, decisive, smart, inventive, and open to new experiences. Cats with low scores on the extraversion scale may seem withdrawn, clumsy, and aimless. 3. Dominance Dominance refers to bullying behaviour and aggression, possibly resulting in injuries and stress for other animals (and people) in the household. A low dominance score indicates a friendly and submissive cat. that lies close to the ‘openness’ end of the spectrum are more likely to be curious in the consult room—they may physically explore, sniffing the floor and equipment and even interacting positively with the vet. Cats that lie closer to the ‘closed to experience’ end of the spectrum may be more likely to remain disengaged from the experience, perhaps remaining in their cat carrier when the door is opened.” Ellis believes it’s worth taking the time to become familiar with the quirks of each cat’s personality. “We know that cats have very specific needs as a species—for example, they are all obligate carnivores, solitary survivalists, and use scent and pheromones to communicate to other cats—but each cat is also an individual,” she says. “Some cats are very bold and new things do not faze them, some are very sociable and enjoy physical interactions with people, while others are timid and cautious, some towards people, some towards the physical environment, and some towards both. By assessing a cat’s personality, we gain a greater understanding of who it is, what its likes and dislikes are, and are therefore able to better set up the environment and interact in a way that suits each individual cat, thus maximizing their physical health and mental wellbeing.” Linda Hall and Rita Reimers agree that the value of using the Feline Five lies in being better able to understand and respond to a cat’s specific needs. Hall and Reimers are the dynamic “It’s worth taking the time to become familiar with the quirks of each cat’s personality.” PHOTO #1 LARYKA/BIGSTOCK; #2 AFRICA STUDIO/SHUTTERSTOCK; #3 DANIELLE ARMSTRONG/SHUTTERSTOCK; #4 SUKHOTHAIBOY/SHUTTERSTOCK; #5 ANTIBYDNI/SHUTTERSTOCK moderncat.com 37

duo behind the 19 Cats and Counting podcast. (The “and Counting” part refers to the fact that neither woman can resist rescuing any cat in need.) Both are Certified Cat Behaviourists who regularly help stressed cat owners solve litter box issues, aggression, unwanted scratching, and other problems. “You tailor your approach to your cat’s personality,” says Reimers. “A shier cat, a more reserved cat, is more cautious, maybe a little bit closer to her feral roots than, say, a cat that’s overly friendly. So you want to really make your moves small around those types of cats.” “You have to work on their level,” says Hall, likening the situation to figuring out what a specific person may need. “If you’ve got a human in your life who tends to be skittish and has sensory issues, you’re not going to take them to the bar. You’re going to take them to a quieter restaurant. You’re just helping to facilitate their needs, and that’s all we need to do with cats.” She adds, “We all come with baggage—humans and animals alike.” A neurotic cat may appreciate having several hiding places and quiet areas around the home to escape to, while an impulsive cat may respond well to stressors being removed from the environment. An extraverted cat may need constant stimulation in the form of new toys to play with, challenging environments to explore, and frequent social interactions with humans or other animals. A disagreeable cat might actually be displaying signs of a health problem or cognitive impairment and could benefit from a veterinary checkup. An owner who pays close attention to their cat’s specific personality traits is more likely to notice changes that could indicate the need to visit a vet or a cat behaviour specialist. It’s also worth remembering that any cat may occasionally display some of the less pleasant of the Big Five, including anxiety and aggression, upon sensing a threat to resources such as food, water, or territory. “There is no concept of sharing out in nature,” Hall explains. “If I smell a stranger coming in, honey, they ain’t moving in to do mimosas and brunch with me! They’re gonna steal everything I’ve got.” Reimers describes a 15-year-old cat she adopted. “She’s got a large-and-in-charge personality, but she was nervous for quite a while before she would trust me. It took two years before she would sit on my lap,” Reimers says. “Even though she was bold, she stayed reserved until she knew she could trust again.” A cat’s true personality may take some time to shine through in a new environment. PHOTO I WEI HUANG/SHUTTERSTOCK “A cat’s true personality may take some time to shine through in a new environment.” 38 moderncat FALL · WINTER 2023/24

>> Take the Feline Five Personality test at idrlabs.com/cat-personality/test.php PHOTO ABRILL/BIGSTOCK Hall and Reimers both mention more than once that in order to truly understand a cat’s personality, it’s vital to remember one key fact: everything a cat does is based on their own survival and the survival of their species. “Cats are both predator and prey in nature,” Hall says. “Danger’s all around. This is a cat’s life outside. They could be eaten at any minute.” Out in the wild, a cat’s very life depends on learning where the rewards and the dangers are. Though it’s impossible to change the core personality of a cat, the same way it is with a human, by recognizing and understanding a cat’s key traits, you can tailor your actions to what the animal needs. “You can make an anxious cat more relaxed by how you interact with the cat and how you set up the atmosphere,” Reimers says. “Early on, in my 20s, when I was still pretty neurotic, as 20-year-olds can be, I had a cat named Precious, and Precious was just as persnickety as I was back then. I notice that as I’m older now, the kittens I acquire tend to be more laid-back because I am. So, I do think that they take their cues from you. They’re empaths.” Hall agrees. “They’re picking up on our feelings,” she says. “They watch every facial expression, everything you do, and they know how you’re feeling.” Occasionally, people misinterpret this extreme empathy, viewing it as cats fundamentally altering their personalities to mimic those of the people they live with, but that’s not the case. Reimers explains that the animals are merely responding to “the stimulus they’re getting from us.” Similarly, Ellis doesn’t believe that a cat’s personality ever actually changes to match an owner’s. “Personalities are relatively fixed in adults and their adult cats,” she says. “Instead, what may be happening is that owners are attracted to cats with personalities that are similar to their own or that they are more likely to ‘see’ the personality traits they recognize in themselves. This may not be a bad thing, as viewing someone or, in this case, a cat as similar to yourself can increase the caregiver’s bond to their cat.” Perhaps cat owners should be rating themselves on the Feline Five, too? moderncat.com 39

Gorgeous gloves embellished with Laurel Burch’s infamous Polka Dot Gatos enhance any outfit! These buttery soft touchscreen gloves are ideal for driving and protect your hands with style. mythreecats.com The Holiday Crinkle Ball is the purrfect way to make your furry friend feel special during the holiday season! This toy combines fun, engagement, and festive cheer to keep your cat entertained for hours. cancorinnovations.com The RYERCAT Toothbrush is a dual-sided, cat-specific toothbrush with a super small micro head and pointed pick end. Made of cornstarch and available in five colours! RYERCAT is a small family business based in Vancouver, Canada. ryercat.com Gift peace of mind with Tractive’s CAT Mini, the world’s #1 GPS tracker for cats! Featuring Live GPS tracking, activity and sleep tracking, Virtual Fence and more. tractive.com Handmade in Pontiac, Michigan, the epiphany glass Sleeping Kitties are guaranteed allergy free and never need a litter box! Solid hot-sculpted glass with layers of colour, signed and dated on the bottom. epiphanyglass.com The Yeowww! Catnip Kris Krinkle Gift Bundle comes bagged and tagged and ready for giving. Whether naughty or nice, cats will be clamoring for a bundle of this holiday cheer! Includes 3 Yeowww! Catnip toys and a mini bag of catnip. yeowww.com SPECIAL PROMOTION Purrfect Presents A gift guide for cats & cat lovers! moderncat.com 41

SPECIAL PROMOTION Purrfect Presents Elevate your day with LoftyLoo: sit or stand to scoop. Lifts litter pans for joint-friendly cleaning. Wheelchair accessible. Storage controls odour while keeping supplies within reach, and the raised litter station creates accessibility for all. loftyloo.com Purrfectplay Catnip Baby Carrots are perfect to toss, carry, and juggle! Little organic cotton gems that keep your kitties active. Made in the USA, these toys are fragrant, fresh, and plastic free! purrfectplay.com The Armarkat A8104 is a premium cat tower designed for ultimate feline comfort. Its plush, supportive design ensures your furry friend enjoys a cozy retreat, making it a perfect addition to any cat-loving home. armarkat.com Show your love for cats in style with these PURRRfect artistcreated gifts! LisetteArt Shop has whimsical wood signs, fun mugs, tees, art, and more. You’ll find MEOW-velous gifts for any cat lover! lisetteartshop.com/cats The Yeowww! Catnip La CAT-rina toy brings playtime to life! Based on the designs of the decorative sugar skulls emblematic of the Day of the Dead celebrations, La CATrina is an elegant and colourful feast for kitty’s senses. Made with durable cotton twill and packed with organically grown catnip! yeowww.com Four feet of rainbow coloured plush fabric attached to an unbreakable wand inspires snake hunting adventures in the minds of cats! Certified safe, colourfast and non-toxic, the Rainbow Cat Charmer toy is made in Cat Dancer’s solar powered factory in Wisconsin. catdancer.com 42 moderncat FALL · WINTER 2023/24

SPECIAL PROMOTION Purrfect Presents Experience luxurious, petfriendly home fragrance products with The Stinky Pet Co.’s hand-poured essential oil soy wax candles, room sprays, hand sanitizers, and essential oil blends for diffusers. thestinkypetco.com The Catit Vesper Treehouse is a modern, natureinspired playground for adventurous cats and kittens! Features elegant wooden branches and is available in 3 sizes. Learn more on catit.ca Big solutions from a little boost! All-new Go! Solutions Boosters wet food toppers for cats provide a complete and balanced meal alternative, conveniently packaged in a single-serve, single-solution package. go-solutions.com Whether it’s your car, couch, or carpet, Fur-Zoff’s patented recycled material will quickly remove pet hair from the fabrics of your life! Works for all types of pet hair. amvllcproducts.com Litter Genie has become the hassle-free litter disposal system that is closing the lid on cat odours with its unique air-tight design and multi-layer bags to lock away undesirable smells. littergenie.com Countdown to a meowgical holiday season with the Catcouver Cat Advent Calendar! Treat your furry friend to daily surprises and festive feline fun. A purrfect way to celebrate together! shop.catcouver.com moderncat.com 43

{EDITOR'S PICKs} PHOTO FORGABY/SHUTTERSTOCK HOME ALONE How long can cats be left alone? Experts agree this is the maximum amount of time CALMING PHEROMONES Feliway Optimum Diffuser Kit releases pheromones that are proven to calm cats, reducing signs of stress. A Ceva study found that 93% of cat owners reported enhanced calming. ($35, feliway.com) CAT CAMERA Keep an eye on your kitty while you’re out. The Catit PIXI Smart Mouse Camera is a full HD resolution camera that allows you to watch your cat live and see what they get up to! You can even talk and listen to them when you’re away from home. ($100, catit.ca) T he stereotype that cats are solitary and fine on their own is false. Cats struggle with change, can experience separation anxiety, and require regular care. Most vets agree that cats should be left alone for no more than 24 hours. If you leave your cat alone for longer than 24 hours, there are significant safety issues. Cats left alone could: Become shut or locked in a room without access to their food and water Get hurt or sick from falls, ingesting something they shouldn’t, etc. Become trapped in small spaces Spill their water and have nothing to drink You’ll need to have someone check in on your cat at least once a day while you’re away to make sure they are okay and can receive veterinary care if needed. Cats also need company. If you have been away, look for these signs of separation anxiety in your cat: Destructive behaviour Excessive hiding, grooming, and/ or vocalization “Accidents” (eliminating outside of the litter box) Refusal to eat or drink BOTTOM LINE: If you are going to be away longer than 24 hours, have a neighbour check in on your cat daily or hire a cat sitter. Most cats prefer to stay in their own home, but if this isn’t possible, cat boarding is also an option. For more cat tips and expert cat advice, check out 10 Things HomeAlone Cats Need on moderncat.com 44 moderncat FALL · WINTER 2023/24

PHOTO NEW AFRICA/BIGSTOCK A vet shares her top tips for medicating your cat | By Dr. Eleanor Flynn How to Pill A Cat G iving medication to cats is notoriously difficult, making it extra stressful when your cat is ill. No one wants to fight every day to get medication into their cat! The good news is there are many things that you can do to make the process easier and less stressful. Here are my five top tips to help you get meds into your cat without it being stressful! # 1. IS THERE AN ALTERNATIVE? If you are struggling with the medication your vet has prescribed, your vet may be able to change it for something easier for you to give your cat. Some medications come as both liquid and tablets. A few medications even come as a transdermal cream that you rub on your cat’s skin. Please talk to your vet—together you can decide which form is best for you. # 2. EXPLOIT YOUR CAT’S WEAKNESS Use your cat’s favourite food or treat—wet food, canned food, sardines—to your advantage and hide their medication in it. Create scarcity around this food—reserve it especially for meds time. Cats who love dry food may still eat their dry food with medication crushed on top. I know this seems improbable, but it works really well for some cats. You can also mix medications in with liquid treats if this is something your cat loves to eat. Some cats will eat pills designed to be palatable, but many cats will still be suspicious of them. Marinating these pills with your cat’s favourite treats may provide the final incentive they need. Do this by taking the medication out of the packet and putting it in the packet of treats for a day or two or simply by rubbing the pill and the treat together. Make sure you put down some treats too. Your cat may be so busy hoovering up their favourite treat that they may not notice that one is not quite like the others. Pro Tip: Remember that hunger is always your friend when giving medication in food or treats. Choose the time when your cat is hungriest and, therefore, most likely to polish off food quickly. # 3. PILL PUTTY Treats designed to hide medication in are soft, allowing you to mould the treat around the medication. If your cat will not eat these treats, marinate them with your cat’s favourite treats to make them more appealing. # 4. DOG TREATS I’ve used dog treats to medicate my difficult-to-pill cat for many years because nothing else works! Dog treats are larger in size and may allow you to hide your cat’s medication within the treat. You need to make sure that the treat is not too big and that it is not a dog chew treat as this may break or damage your cat’s teeth. I use a dog treat that is soft in the centre. I cut it in half, scoop out the soft centre with a knife, and hide half a tablet in the treat before sealing it up with the soft centre. One or two dog treats (even daily) to get medication into your cat will not harm them. # 5. GELATINE CAPSULES If you can’t tempt your cat to take pills in food or treats and therefore must put medication in your cat’s mouth, this tip is for you! For these cats, you can use gelatine capsules. These are empty capsules that come in several different sizes, allowing you to put your cat’s medication inside. This achieves two things: the gelatine capsule disguises any bad taste or smell and it allows you to give multiple medications at once as you can fit several different medications into one capsule. # 6. BONUS TIP: A FEEDING TUBE Cats who are acutely unwell and on a lot of medication often do not eat or are extra picky, so hiding medication in food is not an option. For these cats, vets often recommend a feeding tube. This is a tube that usually goes directly into the oesophagus. Your cat can be fed food, water, and medication through this tube. Cats tolerate these tubes well and often do not even notice them. And they can stay in for weeks, until your cat has recovered. Placing the tube is very easy. It does require a short anaesthetic, but it can save a lot of anxiety in the long run. If your cat is ill, it is worth discussing with your vet if a feeding tube could help your cat. * For more expert, cat-specific vet advice, visit allcats.co.uk! BODY&SOUL 46 moderncat FALL · WINTER 2023/24

Hello fresh breath and clean teeth! Oxyfresh Premium Pet Dental Kit features their top-selling pet dental water additive and pet toothpaste, plus easy-to-use finger brushes. And because these cat dental cleaning kit ingredients are tasteless and odourless, even the pickiest pets will love it. oxyfresh.com Help your cat live their best life with these wellness products! SPECIAL PROMOTION Grooming your cat can either be a real hassle or a pleasant experience for you both. This unique 2-in-1 shell comb removes hair and massages your cat in the most gentle way possible, leaving healthy, shiny fur, free from tangles and knots. Ergonomically designed for cats’ unique body structure. mythreecats.com Boxie Pro Deep Clean Cat Litter is made with proprietary Cat Activated probiotics that deep clean litter on a microscopic level 24/7, so your cat won’t spread unseen waste around your home. Live probiotics consume microscopic waste and odours, providing continuous cleaning each time your cat uses the litter box! boxiecat.com These lightweight Silver Vine Activity Balls are made with 100% shredded silver vine and held together with natural gum. Easy for your feline friend to playfully roll, with the added benefit of improved oral health and stress reduction! Silver Vine has a greater potent fragrance guaranteed to excite cats, making it a great alternative to cat nip. defineplanet.com TEEF for Life’s Protektin30 for cats is an award-winning water additive for easy, at-home dental hygiene. TEEF’s vegan, prebiotic technology leverages microbiology and molecular nutrition to safely promote dental health and fresh breath. One scoop per day in drinking water or on food works to inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria while growing beneficial bacteria essential for optimal dental health. teefhealth.com moderncat.com 47

BODY&SOUL Y our cat’s dental health plays a huge—and overlooked— role in their overall health, says Dr. James Anthony, a board-certified veterinary dentist with more than 35 years of expertise in the field. Gum disease can even be a contributing factor in heart disease. “Addressing gum disease is crucial for your pet’s oral health and overall wellbeing,” says Dr. Anthony. Periodontal disease leads to swelling and damage to the gums and supporting structures of the teeth. Chronic inflammation produces by-products that spread throughout the body, contributing to diseases such as arthritis, and heart, kidney, and liver disease.  But as every cat person knows, brushing a cat’s teeth can prove difficult. Here are our top five tips for keeping your cat’s teeth clean. #1 Check out your cat’s gums. Red and inflamed gums are a sign of dental disease. Gums should normally be pink and healthy. To address, massage your cat’s gums with a bit of gauze. Try dipping your finger into tuna water to make your cat more cooperative. #2 Start a Daily Dental Care Routine. Daily brushing is by far the best way to prevent dental disease. This is easiest if you start young. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) recommends getting cats used to the process while they’re kittens by using gauze along with toothpaste made specifically for cats. Do not try to brush your cat’s teeth with “people” toothpaste. If fluoride toothpaste is ingested, it can make your cat severely ill. Once your cat tolerates the brushing, slowly transition to a cat-specific toothbrush. #3 Get your cat a chew toy. Cats in the wild eat the bones of animals, which helps to scrape the plaque and tartar off their teeth. Chew toys designed for cats can help do the same thing. Just make sure it’s a chew toy designed for cats and not too hard or it could fracture your cat’s tooth. #4 Try a water additive, such as Oxyfresh Pet Dental Water Additive. It’s vet-recommended and clinically proven to reduce plaque and tartar. Simply add to your cat’s drinking water. #5 Dental diets (feed exclusively or use as treats) are also beneficial, says Dr. Anthony. Look for Vet Oral Health Council (VOHC) on the label. The size, shape, and texture of dental kibble is designed to clean the tooth as your cat chews. PHOTO DEINE LIEBE/BIGSTOCK Tips forKeeping Your Cat’s Teeth Clean Top 5 48 moderncat FALL · WINTER 2023/24